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2002
Mazda Tribute

Starts at:
$18,155
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2.0L Man DX
    Starts at
    $18,155
    23 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.0L Man DX 4WD
    Starts at
    $19,855
    22 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.0L Auto DX
    Starts at
    $20,635
    19 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.0L Auto LX
    Starts at
    $21,485
    19 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.0L Auto DX 4WD
    Starts at
    $22,035
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.0L Auto LX 4WD
    Starts at
    $22,685
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.0L Auto ES
    Starts at
    $22,715
    19 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.0L Auto ES 4WD
    Starts at
    $23,915
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute

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Expert 2002 Mazda Tribute review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda, which accounts for the close kinship between the popular Ford Escape sport utility vehicle and the related Mazda Tribute. Both SUVs were introduced for the 2001 model year. Subtle styling differences can be seen between the two, and interior features are not identical.

Claimed to be the sportier member of the pair, Mazda’s car-based SUV has been attracting considerable interest. Available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Tribute exhibits a conventional SUV profile. Changes for 2002 are minimal, apart from a reshaped gearshift lever, wiper-control stalk and the addition of a modular audio system. New front seats have separate, adjustable head restraints, and rub strips have been deleted from the Tribute’s roof rack.

Jointly developed by the two companies, the SUV is based on the front-drive platform of Mazda’s 626 sedan but is powered by Ford engines. Like the Escape, the Tribute is designed to lure buyers out of cars by offering the look of an SUV with carlike driving ease and the security of four-wheel drive. Neither model is considered to offer true offroad capability.

Exterior
Though it has the same overall shape as the Escape, Mazda’s Tribute features a different grille, front fascia and headlamps, as well as unique exterior trim. Dimensions also are similar. The Tribute sits on a 103.1-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 173 inches — 8 inches longer than the Toyota RAV4. The four-door SUV has a rear liftgate that includes a flip-up window.

Interior
The Tribute carries five occupants with twin bucket seats up front and a three-place seat in the rear. The folding rear seat on the LX and ES models expands cargo room from 17 cubic feet to a more useful 70 cubic feet. Leather upholstery and a power driver’s seat are standard on the top-of-the-line ES.

Under the Hood
Mazda offers the same powertrain choices as those of the Escape. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 130 horsepower, while a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 is optional. Only a five-speed-manual transmission is available with the four-cylinder engine, while a four-speed-automatic gearbox is used with the V-6. The Tribute can have front-wheel drive or a Ford four-wheel-drive system that engages automatically. Antilock brakes and side-impact airbags for the front seats are optional.

Driving Impressions
Mazda’s small SUV gets a mixed reaction, with its sporty nature earning the highest marks. Although it’s related to the Escape, more flaws surfaced while driving the Tribute than its Ford cousin. Noisier than some rivals, a test Tribute emitted a low growl from its driveline while accelerating at low speeds, as if sound insulation was lacking. Additionally, a touchy gas pedal made it difficult to start off with a smooth acceleration.

Energetic and overly eager, the throttle response is satisfying, automatic-transmission shifts are barely noticeable, and downshifts for passing and merging come swiftly. Steering with a somewhat light touch, the Tribute displays a floating sensation at times, feeling less than fully connected to the highway surface. Ride comfort is pleasing on the highway, but wavy pavement produces a lot of up-and-down motion. Around town, the Tribute aptly copes with bumps and holes and exhibits no raucous behavior.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

2002 Mazda Tribute review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda, which accounts for the close kinship between the popular Ford Escape sport utility vehicle and the related Mazda Tribute. Both SUVs were introduced for the 2001 model year. Subtle styling differences can be seen between the two, and interior features are not identical.

Claimed to be the sportier member of the pair, Mazda’s car-based SUV has been attracting considerable interest. Available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Tribute exhibits a conventional SUV profile. Changes for 2002 are minimal, apart from a reshaped gearshift lever, wiper-control stalk and the addition of a modular audio system. New front seats have separate, adjustable head restraints, and rub strips have been deleted from the Tribute’s roof rack.

Jointly developed by the two companies, the SUV is based on the front-drive platform of Mazda’s 626 sedan but is powered by Ford engines. Like the Escape, the Tribute is designed to lure buyers out of cars by offering the look of an SUV with carlike driving ease and the security of four-wheel drive. Neither model is considered to offer true offroad capability.

Exterior
Though it has the same overall shape as the Escape, Mazda’s Tribute features a different grille, front fascia and headlamps, as well as unique exterior trim. Dimensions also are similar. The Tribute sits on a 103.1-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 173 inches — 8 inches longer than the Toyota RAV4. The four-door SUV has a rear liftgate that includes a flip-up window.

Interior
The Tribute carries five occupants with twin bucket seats up front and a three-place seat in the rear. The folding rear seat on the LX and ES models expands cargo room from 17 cubic feet to a more useful 70 cubic feet. Leather upholstery and a power driver’s seat are standard on the top-of-the-line ES.

Under the Hood
Mazda offers the same powertrain choices as those of the Escape. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 130 horsepower, while a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 is optional. Only a five-speed-manual transmission is available with the four-cylinder engine, while a four-speed-automatic gearbox is used with the V-6. The Tribute can have front-wheel drive or a Ford four-wheel-drive system that engages automatically. Antilock brakes and side-impact airbags for the front seats are optional.

Driving Impressions
Mazda’s small SUV gets a mixed reaction, with its sporty nature earning the highest marks. Although it’s related to the Escape, more flaws surfaced while driving the Tribute than its Ford cousin. Noisier than some rivals, a test Tribute emitted a low growl from its driveline while accelerating at low speeds, as if sound insulation was lacking. Additionally, a touchy gas pedal made it difficult to start off with a smooth acceleration.

Energetic and overly eager, the throttle response is satisfying, automatic-transmission shifts are barely noticeable, and downshifts for passing and merging come swiftly. Steering with a somewhat light touch, the Tribute displays a floating sensation at times, feeling less than fully connected to the highway surface. Ride comfort is pleasing on the highway, but wavy pavement produces a lot of up-and-down motion. Around town, the Tribute aptly copes with bumps and holes and exhibits no raucous behavior.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

Safety review

Based on the 2002 Mazda Tribute base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 50,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.4
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • Fun until it wasn't

    a family member gave me a 2003 tribute for free with 125k miles as a beater, many exhaust leaks from being in the rust belt, its a very fun car to drive except the fact it just xxxx itself in my driveway 2 hours ago at 130k miles, it currently wont start but hopefully i can get it moving again
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best Experience Ever!!

    Best experience ever!!! We had to buy a car for my daughter who goes away to school and found the perfect car online at this dealership. From the second we called for information until we walked out with the car, SANDI was absolutely wonderful, friendly, no hassle salesman. He listened to our needs and really had our best interest at heart. A# Car Seller
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Economy and trustable car

    Over all its best car for money you pay. So, I used this car for work and collage with no hassle . Over all its best car for money you pay. So, I used this car for work and collage with no hassle .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most Reliable car I’ve owned

    Car meets all of my needs, it has a USB and auxiliary port, Great AWD for the snow. More than enough space in the trunk as well, Ac/heat work well, transmission in great condition
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I love my Mazda!

    I really love this vehicle, my dad was looking for a car for me because my car was giving me problems, so I was only following him for something just to ride for a little while. I went into the lot and seen it, drove it and fell in love with this used car. Its very well kept, drives great and love the way it looks. I was suppose to just get something temp. I am loving this ride and adding more updated items as I speak, didn't need to but I love dressing it up! (lol)
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I am in love with this vehicle!!!!

    This is the second Tribute I have owned for a reason. They are comfortable to drive, reliable and look good too! Best vehicle I’ve ever had!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable, cheap to fix.

    Great 4x4. Easy to find parts, Comfortable, and great usefulness due to design with glass hatch and liftgate. Great in snow. Fits 5 easy. Made in same factory as Ford Escape of same years, and same mechanicals. Family and I have owned several Escapes and Tributes. Some still going with 225K miles! Avoid the 4 Cyl however, and watch for rear shock rust issue recall for 2004-2006 model years. Didn't affect other years for some reason.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Excellent car! Has new tires,brakes,low mileage we

    This vehicle has served our family very well! Both of my children have used it to get to their respective schools and it has been a very reliable car. Mechanic owned so it has been serviced regularly!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best Car I have ever owned

    It has every thing you need. Great for napping, speakers incredible for listening to music, hatch back for easy grocery loading. Plenty of room for most.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Nicest Car I've Ever Owned

    I think this is the perfect vehicle for a teenager who had just gotten their license. It's cheap to own and very reliable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • GREAT BUY...VERY DEPENDABLE..

    AWESOME SUV REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO SUMMER FUN ..I'M HITTING THE BEACH AND GOING FISHING...NOW I HAVE ROOM FOR MY FISHING GEAR...
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love it! But not happy with recalls Mazda wont fix

    Since we bought the Tribute we've been replacing EGR VALVE and now the 3rd gear needed repair! Replaced coils 3 times (#5)! But it's been a great ride! Drives great on highway! Good on gas! Pretty SUV!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Mazda dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Mazda Tribute?

The 2002 Mazda Tribute is available in 3 trim levels:

  • DX (4 styles)
  • ES (2 styles)
  • LX (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Mazda Tribute?

The 2002 Mazda Tribute offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2002 Mazda Tribute reliable?

The 2002 Mazda Tribute has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Mazda Tribute owners.

Is the 2002 Mazda Tribute a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Mazda Tribute. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.5
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